The Transformation of Postal Services in Light of Technological Developments and Users’ Needs

This paper suggests that technology is empowering the management of logistic networks by virtual platforms. This is changing postal services in two concurrent ways: through the segmentation of the production chain into amorph segments (APLs, proximity points, last-mile express services) and the vertical integration strategy followed by e-commerce platforms. It allows also the management of postal services through a crowdsourced network. Technology modifies how activities are performed but processes are de facto equivalent. Platform operations should be then regarded as part of the overall postal service and not a mere intermediation between different players. The forthcoming revision of the Postal Service Directive should then consider the disruption of traditional business models and production chains.